George Clooney to star in Downton Abbey

The Hollywood hunk, 53, will make a one-off appearance alongside the cast of the hit drama as part of this year's Text Santa charity appeal on ITV.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "This is the biggest moment in Downton history and shows it's now the biggest drama in the world, all the plans have been shrouded in secrecy because George was determined for his role not to leak out."

The star has already filmed his scenes for the TV special, which will see his American character attend a wedding at the famous Yorkshire country estate, and the episode will air on the same night as the annual charity event, which aims to raise money for UK charities during the Christmas period, in December.

George took on the role after striking up a friendship with Hugh Bonneville - who plays Robert Crawley in the period drama - when they both starred in the comedy, The Monuments Men, earlier this year.

The source explained: "George and Hugh became really close during filming and it became very clear that George loved Downton. He would joke around about the idea of getting a part so Hugh helped put the wheels in motion to make it happen."

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